Epilepsy Epilepsy is a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Seizures are defined as passing neurological abnormalities caused by unregulated electrical brain discharge, a direct result of unusual electrical activity in the brain. They can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, and uncontrolled. These seizures themselves are not the disease, they may be a sign of disorder such as epilepsy. Epilepsy affects about one percent of the general population of the United States. There is no specific age group, race, nationality or social level the suffers from this disorder. Some people outgrow it and have no need for medication. While others can live full and normal lives